&nbsp

&nbsp

Carrileufu Valley Lodge is based near the small town of Cholila, surrounded by what is arguably the most stunning scenery in all of Patagonia. It is quite fittingly where Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid and Etta Place, the most notorious ménage á trois in American history, chose to homestead in their epic run from the law. Much of the region still retains the frontier feeling sought by these outlaws over 100 years ago.

The lodge is conveniently located just outside the northern border of Los Alerces national park – a verdant, botanical nirvana home to some of Patagonia’s most exotic scenery and biodiversity. It is also the heart of the region’s trout fishing, and within the park’s astounding 1,000 square miles sits a staggering assortment of massive natural lakes, all linked by corridors of large, pristine rivers flanked by sumptuous curtains of dense Valdivian Rainforest. The system’s transparent waters often allow sight-fishing for its healthy population of rainbow, brown, brook trout and salmon, and pursuing them under the unique backdrop of bamboo thickets, sinuous cypress trees and snow-capped peaks is a curiously exotic experience, seemingly of another world. Indeed, fly fishing within this setting is one of Patagonia’s most sublime experiences.

The Fishing

Fishermen at Carrileufu Valley Lodge will have access to more water than can possibly be fished in a week’s time, and will have a wide variety of water types at their disposal. Depending on conditions, angers will have the option of floating the Carrileufu, Rivadavia, Arrayanes, and Chubut rivers (multi-day float trips available).

Fishing out of powerboats on a number of lakes is also available, and at the right time of year the dragon fly fishing can be mind-blowing. Let’s not forget the area’s spring creeks, where technical sight-fishing for oversized trout is the norm. With all this available water to fish anglers can have a different experience every single day of the week, and the fishing program can be tailored to your preferences and the current conditions.

What to bring:

Polarized sun glasses, and binoculars

Breathable waders, felt or rubber-soled wading boots without studs. (We recommend new or bleach-washed boots to prevent the spread of whirling disease and New Zealand mud snails.)

Dry flies for Patagonia are probably larger than you are used to. Flies tied with foam and rubber legs work great in our fishing areas. The best colors seem to be black, peacock, and tan. That being said, it is often times necessary to match a particular hatch and some small dries are also needed. Try to buy (or tie) dry flies that are highly visible for your benefit. If you bring a good selection of the flies listed above, you’ll be in great shape!

Although we dry-fly fish most of the time, it is necessary at times to nymph fish and streamer fish depending on rivers and fishing conditions. Nymphs will normally be dropped under a dry fly and also will be used for sight fishing. A good selection of nymphs and streamers could make your day or even your trip. Remember big flies catch big fish!!!

As you would expect, our spring starts in November, with water often in the low 50’s. The fish are still looking for food below the surface. Streamers and nymphs are the go-to choices, although a few of our stubborn purists have prevailed at midday with a number of small to medium drys! Even during this cool but sunny period an indicator/dropper combination is most effective.

Fishing All Season

Spring and fall are excellent times to use a medium wgt sinking line. A Teeny 250 gr. is a good choice. By late December, given any consistency to the eventuality of warming weather, we’re all fishing wgt forward #5 floating lines with 9?, 4X – 6X leaders.

The fish – browns, brookies and mostly rainbows – are moving through the rivers, either in preparation for or just after the spawn. These spring/fall migrations provide excellent opportunities for landlock salmon, which for some reason become quite scarce January – March.

Fall is a lovely season comparable to North America, with cool clear mornings and hungry fish still feeding. It can be cold and rainy, too, so bring along warm, dry clothing.

After the dry fly season, we go back to the tried and proven – streamers, content to enjoy the last few weeks of yet another rewarding version of Patagonia’s best!

Getting Here

For most travelers, flying through Buenos Aires, Argentina’s glamorous capital (perhaps spending the night), is the most pleasant route. Once you reach Buenos Aires, your can continue on your own or enjoy the services of our partners with Swan Turismo (see box below map).

From Buenos Aires, you have two options. One is a 2-hour flight to Bariloche (not shown on map area but located north of El Bolson). From Bariloche, Cholila is 2 1/2 to 3 hours driving. It’s a beautiful drive to start getting the atmosphere of Patagonia.

A second way is to fly from Buenos Aires to Esquel via Aerolineas Argentina, a 2 hrs and 10 minutes flight. The driving distance from there to the lodge is much shorter, about 1 hr and 30 minutes, through the Alerces National Park (where you will be fishing later on, so again, you get a preview.)

There is one big difference between these flights: to Bariloche you have 8 to 10 flights every day on 2 different airlines, and to Esquel you only have 3 flights a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, on Aerolineas Argentinas.

In both cases, we will be waiting for you (assuming you tell us you’re coming of course) to take you to the Carrileufu Valley Lodge. We have all 4×4 vehicles, and in case it is a big group we will arrange pick-up with a van.

Other Activities

See Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid’s cabin which is only 20 miles away.

Visit the Museum “LeLeque Estancia” (top photo at left), about 1 hour driving distance from the lodge, located on Beneton’s land which is abundant in the history of Patagonia.

Ride to the Museum on the old Patagonia Express train.

Travel to El Bolson Artisan Fair just 1 hour away.

Bird-watch for beautiful flamingos (yes they live here), condors and other wildlife.

The Carriluefu Valley Lodge at Cholila includes five bedrooms, generally sleeping two lodgers, each with private bathrooms and great views. The lodge structure is very cozy and comfortable, big timber wood and a very nice taste for the decoration, it makes you feel very relax and gives you a taste of the area typical construction.

Our specious great living room is the perfect place to relax after a long fishing day, enjoy yourself with our open bar and great wine cellar, rest at our comfortable couches with a great view to the mountains and share stories with your new friends. We offer Wi-Fi internet access at the lodge in order to be connected with the “Real World” and limited cell phone signa. For emergencies, we have a satellite phone.

We also offer a cabin nearby the main lodge with two bedrooms with private bathrooms, a great living room with fire place and a TV with DirecTV for those who like to see the news or some sports live.

We also have another building that is a Barbecue Place for big parties or to use at lunch time, we like to split some days and fish one section of a river in the morning and then come back for lunch, take a little siesta and go back for the afternoon fishing session, this program works really well.

The Food

Breakfast usually includes all kinds of eggs, bacon, jam, toast, fruits, juice, tea and coffee.

Lunch is normally along the river. It is usually an appetizing mix of homemade bread, cheese, salami, prosciutto, smoked trout, fresh salads and other appetizers with cuts of meat or chicken for a main dish and finished with a dessert. Wine, beer, sodas, water and coffee or tea are offered, as well.

Dinner is served at the Carrileufu Valley Lodge after getting back from the river. This is Patagonian food at its best, not to mention, served with some of the best wines you can find in Argentina such as the famous Malbec, which is our premium wine. Beer, liquor and soft drinks are also available in an open bar. For one special evening you can expect to be served a traditional lamb Asado, cooked on the cross, gaucho style. Simply delicious!

On fishing trips involving camping, we will provide a hearty breakfast to get ready for a long day on the water. For lunch we usually find a quiet spot where you will feel like you are in the middle of tranquil Patagonia with no other distractions besides you and open water. An indulgent experience to behold!

Dinner will consist of beef and lamb entrees with plenty of spirits, as well as, water and soft drinks. And, of course, fresh fruit, vegetables and snacks for any time of the day.

2017/18 Rates

$4,950 USD/per person for a 7 night/6 day package
or $700 USD/night/angler.

Whats Included

Ground transfer from Esquel to the lodge
Meals, all wines, beer and local spirits
Professional guide services